A place for a tired old woman to try to figure things out so that the world makes a bit of sense.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Asking The Questions

I read the online version of the Sacramento Bee every morning, mainly because as far as I'm concerned, it is the paper of record when it comes to California state politics. That said, however, the Sacramento Bee doesn't ignore national and international news, and, as a McClatchy paper, it does a damned fine job in coverage, especially on its editorial page. Here's today's editorial.

In coming weeks the remaining presidential candidates will be trying to outshine each other in the Golden State.

While they are here, all should be pressed to answer a simple yes or no question: Will they allow California to implement its 2002 law limiting emissions of greenhouse gases from cars and trucks sold in this state?

Why, yes. It would be nice if the candidates were asked that simple question. The candidates should be asked all kinds of "simple questions" so that the voters have some clue as to where each of the candidates stands on issues important to the country. What's so refreshing about The Bee is that it went ahead and actually asked the question of the candidates.

On the Democratic side, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards was the first to answer, saying "the EPA has a legal and moral responsibility to allow the states to do their part to help stop global warming. …When I am president, the EPA will get out of the way."

Sen. Barack Obama also said he would overturn the EPA's decision, calling it "yet another example of how this administration has put corporate interests ahead of the public interest."

Sen. Hillary Clinton didn't respond, although during a Jan. 11 visit to California she said she supports "what the state is trying to do to begin to regulate the fuel pipe emissions."

So far, none of the Republican candidates has staked out a clear position on California's law, although it is possible to guess where at least some of them stand.

Other GOP candidates – including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas – oppose tougher fuel economy standards. Aside from McCain on the GOP side, only Mike Huckabee has voiced his support for improved fuel efficiency.

This is what a free press is supposed to do: inform the public. It's nice to see that at least one member of that group is willing to do so.